Wondering how long Ninja Gaiden 4 will keep you glued to the screen? Here’s everything we know so far. The new action title from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames launches on October 21, 2025, for consoles and PC.
With Ninja Gaiden 4, one of the most iconic hack-and-slash franchises makes its long-awaited comeback. The developers combine classic combat with modern challenges – but how much playtime does the game actually offer? We’ve gathered all the official info for you below.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Playtime: How Long the First Run Takes
Game Director Masakazu Hirayama mentioned the playtime in several interviews. According to him, your first playthrough of Ninja Gaiden 4 should take around 15 to 20 hours. Experienced players or speedrunners might finish closer to the lower end of that range.
But that’s far from the end: after completing the main story, you’ll unlock the “Master Ninja” difficulty mode — a brutal challenge designed for veterans. If you want to reach 100% completion and uncover every secret, expect to spend much more time with the game. For comparison, Ninja Gaiden 3 could easily take twice as long to fully complete.
Extra Content: Purgatory Battles and Challenge Missions
Beyond the story, Ninja Gaiden 4 offers a variety of additional content that can significantly extend your playtime, including:
- Challenge Missions and Chapter Challenges: These feature unique combat trials where you’ll face bosses again or take on groups of enemies under special conditions different from the main story mode.
- Purgatory Mode: Optional fights in each chapter where you place “bets” on yourself – such as reduced resources – in exchange for stronger rewards. The mode is inspired by the “Tests of Valor” from earlier games in the series.
- Death Wish Mode: For those seeking the ultimate test, this mode disables all upgrades, forcing you to rely solely on skill and precision.
DLC Plans and Future Content
Team Ninja and PlatinumGames plan to release more content after launch. This includes new weapons and gameplay features. The new character Yakumo already has a confirmed arsenal featuring dual blades, a drill staff, and a hammer. More details on future DLCs will be revealed soon.
Source: HowLongToBeat
